Focus on the Mission not the Mess! (Part 1)

2 Timothy 2:1-4 says; “(1) you then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”

Paul was nearing the end of his life when he penned these words into existence to his beloved protégé Timothy. He knew it was close to the end and he needed to give his final marching orders to the next one who would carry the baton of faith. The church was being infiltrated by false teachers at all angles and was in desperate need of someone standing for the truth and not being afraid to preach it unapologetically. Today our churches are filled with all kinds of false teachers and doctrines and it is in desperate need of real authentic Christians who will shoulder kingdom responsibility side by side. Our world is in desperate need of faithful saints to give them hope!Sometimes we can become distracted, grow weary during our journey of faith but these verses can give us some insight on how to stay focused on what is the big picture.

Notice first of all the mission call is personal. Paul states “you then, my son (daughter)” He’s not speaking to just anyone. He’s talking to Timothy but in our day any New Testament believer who is a child of God. A common distraction is focusing on someone else’s journey and not your own. Paul is telling you and me, the one in the mirror is who God wants! What has God called us to do? Where has God called us to serve?

Next, in order to fulfill the mission, we need to focus on the power source: the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul states Christ first establishing His Deity then his Humanity. Jesus gave us unmerited favor through His grace. All we need to do when we start to loose strength is grab hold of the grace and focus on His example!

Then, Paul’s ministry was public. He had accountability in his life during his mission. Christianity is only successful inside community. Christianity is not private as well, there are not closet Christians. Notice he spoke publically in the presence of many witnesses. In our circles of influence do others know who we serve and who we stand for? Are we bold in sharing our faith?

Fourthly, the faith mission needs to be passed on to reliable people. Are you sharing your faith and passing on what you know to others that are in desperate need to have an encounter with the living God? Are we passing on the Good News of Jesus Christ to others who in turn will pass it on to others? Are we fulfilling the Great Commission?

Fifthly, our mission is inevitably painful. We are going to experience some sort of pain as soldiers for Christ. In fact in the very next chapter 2 Timothy 3:12 states that “indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Jesus experienced the ultimate pain we are his soldiers why would we expect to experience anything less? Focus on His example! When he suffered what did he do? Read the Gospels.

Finally our mission should be focused on pleasing Christ not man. Paul warns Timothy don’t get distracted or caught up in civilian affairs. Now it’s time to get practical. What are some examples of civilian affairs that we might become caught up in…?

·         A phone call received that exposes more mess but you have chosen to forgive...

·         A temptation to react in your flesh but you yield to your spirit

·         An opportunity to take matters in your own hands but instead you cast all your cares upon the Father because He cares for us

·         Weariness comes over you and tempts you to just give up but you grab hold of the grace in Jesus Christ and persevere

·         Other Christians aren’t going through the same pruning as you but you chose to rejoice and not grow bitter

·         Your loved one is determined to wreck their life but instead of worry you chose to trust that God is able

·         Thoughts of the betrayal race through your head but you choose to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ.

Whatever our situations are, we need to keep our eyes on the mission not the mess! Don’t get distracted people’s souls are depending on you to keep your eyes on the mission and fulfill your call! Answer the call of duty Beloved and Stay focused til’ the finish and live Fit4eternity!

If this has blessed you in any way please share it!